A touch of life and femininity

I have been going through some difficult moments for the past few weeks. It was the first time that I had to take a good look in the mirror to see that my words and actions have been reflecting the person that I did not want to be. I feel that I have not been living a good life though I calmed to believe that I have.

I went to a retreat where I reflected and contemplated on the person that I would like to imitate. Retreats are the best place to rest, pray, and reflect. Life runs at full speed, and sometimes we need those moments of tranquility in order to know what path we are walking in.

The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood. And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim Because it was grassy and wanted wear, Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way I doubted if I should ever come back. I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

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Wow, it’s been a while since writing this blog. I have gone through many changes:

I am in my third semester in university (obtaining a master’s degree in Special Education)) I am living and learning through my mistakes. This is best type of learning from what I have been told.

I went through many difficult moments (still am), which is what has kept me from writing my blog. I went through tears, anxiety and stressful moments. Being a teacher is a rewarding occupation, where you make an impact in a child’s life. As a teacher, there is an element of vulnerability too. You are centered stage, the facilitator, the conductor, the role model. Most of the time, you see your own weaknesses as well. You put yourself out there for all to see.

I went to a store the other day, and I brought a book entitled “Comfort Prayers: Prayers and Poems to Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire” by June Cotner. The instant I opened the book, I knew it was for me. I end this 1st blog of 2015 with this

Changes by Sharon Hudnell

Storm settles into quiet,

Darkest dusk leads to a dawn,

Bleak winter melts to springtime,

And the tide turns-

Hold on.

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I’ve been away due to major changes happening in my life. First, and foremost I have been accepted to a teaching program where I will be obtaining a master’s degree in education while working at the same time. Before any of this occurs, I have to pass three major exams. Keep me in your prayers.
Second, I am so happy that summer is here. Today, I went to the beach. I loved relaxing under the sun and swimming in the water. This summer, I plan on going to the beach on the weekends if my schedule permits me.
Third, I’ve been meeting a group of Catholics in the city and it’s been a blast to encounter young adults making a difference in the world. I am attending a Catholic gala in June, and I can’t wait to meet new people of the faith.
Have a blessed week.
PS- Summer is here, put on your dancing shoes.

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I went to a conference where the talk was about Jerome Lejeune, a man who discovered the extra gene that causes Down syndrome and who devoted his life to finding a treatment. However, with this discovery, doctors were able to detect these defects and destroy the life of the unborn. Jerome Lejeune realized that he had to protect and defend the unborn with chromosomal abnormalities. This would lead him to become the first president for the Pontifical Academy for Life. He died on April 1994.

The conference began with Ms. Aude Dugast, the Postulator for Dr. Lejeune’s cause for canonization. She talked about the life, work and faith of Dr. Lejeune. She explained how faith and reason cannot be divided but complement each other. He had a love for his patients that he tired to find a cure. Ms. Dugast explained that he is in the process of becoming a saint since he is now considered a Servant of God.

The next speaker was Mr. Steven Brown, a parent to a child who has Down syndrome. He explained how it is a blessing to have his child and his unconditional love for him. His child has taught him about the meaning and perspective of life. Mr. Steven Brown showed various pictures of his handsome son playing sports and having fun with his siblings. His son finds joy and happiness then most people that I know of.

The conference concluded with Mr. Mark Bradfrod, the president of the Jerome Lejeune Foundation USA. Mr. Bradfrod explained how this foundation is still continuing the legacy of Dr. Lejeune on finding a cure to Down syndrome in order to prevent abortion.

I conclude with this:

‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’

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What are those things that you want to do before you get married (or enter the religious life)? Is there anything that you are excited to do, accomplish, etc before engagement, marriage and babies come along? Even if you feel that you’ve done everything you wanted to do pre-marriage, dig deeper and see if there isn’t anything you’d like to do!

My bucket list:

1) Teach and take care of children

2) Become a teacher

3) Become computer savvy

4) Play guitar, piano and the organ

5) Do some travelling.

6) Share my faith and ideas

7) Write and compose my own music

8) Write stories (children’s literature)

9) Do some gardening/planting of herbs

10) Have artistic/creative qualities: drawing, sewing, etc.

11) Be well versed in my catholic faith, as well as living and loving it.

12) Know prayers and the Bible. Grow in virtue

13) Read lots of books (especially the classics), and become a writer/author

14) Know how to cook delicious meals

15) Know housekeeping (maintain order at home)

16) Read, write, and speak Spanish fluently.

17) Give back to my family especially my mother, as well as those who have less.

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Yesterday, I went out with my friend to a restaurant. He thought I picked this certain location because it was close to his home. In reality, I chose it because Theology of Tap was being held there. “What is Theology on Tap?” my friend asked. Theology on Tap is a social gathering of Catholics/Christians at a bar or restaurant. The speaker was Colin Nykaa, Director of Young Adult Outreach for the Archdiocese of NY whose talk was on “Desire, Purpose, and Destiny: Embracing the Ache in Our Hearts.” I was very impressed and learned so much from Colin.

I never read Theology of the Body or Love and Responsibility by JPII. I tend to think about love and relationships in a very narrow lens and not the big picture that God has in mind. Everyone has this ache or longing in their hearts for something good, beautiful and eternal. Marriage shows that glimpse of love/happiness that a man and woman has for each other. However, your spouse cannot fill full that ache in your heart.

God Wants to Marry Me. What!? Yes, He loves us and wants to have that intimate relationship just like a bride and bride’s groom has. Marriage is suppose to show us that glimpse of heaven that God wants to shower us with His eternal love and commitment. Jesus said in one of His many parables:

“The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son.”

Let us then take a look at engagement. One of my cousin received a proposal from her boyfriend on New Year’s Day. The boyfriend initiated the engagement by proposing her hand in marriage. She received his love by saying “yes.” Eventually, they will conceive children and become co-creators with God. This happens in every vocation such as married to the single life as well as priests and nuns. Our primary relationship with God works the same way as when we receive the Eucharist. Remember, God initiates, We receive and then we bear fruit.